Smithsonian exhibit captures history of Obama inauguration

When you think about the Smithsonian, images come to mind of old documents, artifacts and other materials from years gone by. But an exhibit unveiled Tuesday hopes to put forth a snapshot of recent history in the making.

"I Do Solemnly Swear" is a photographic display of more than 30 images taken during the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama, including views not seen on television or by the tens of thousands of spectators who were at the event.

Although the opening is timed to coincide with the marking of Obama's first 100 days in office, officials at the National Museum of American History -- part of the Smithsonian -- say the upcoming summer tourist season may draw as many as a million visitors to see the display.

Museum Director Brent Glass, in a preview for the media ahead of Wednesday's opening to the public, said the exhibit "will allow our visitors to see how Americans and the world experienced history on January 20th, 2009."